Lisa Armstrong AXED from BGT as working with ex Ant McPartlin is “untenable”

Lisa Armstrong has been dropped as a make-up artist for Britain’s Got More Talent after 10 years on the show, because it was ­“untenable” working with ex Ant McPartlin.

Ant, 43, is set to return to work when Britain’s Got Talent starts filming next month, having taken a year off following his booze and prescription drug addiction, and a drink-driving car crash in March.

Lisa has been axed to ensure his return to TV “goes smoothly with no unnecessary distractions”, a BGT insider said.

The source added: “Although everyone is very fond of Lisa, it was clearly untenable to carry on working together.

“Ant and Dec are two of the most senior people on the show, sometimes these tough decisions have to be made.”

Friends of Lisa, 42, said that she had been expecting to be dropped.

Ant and Lisa in much happier times (file photo)
(Image: PA)

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A pal added: “Lisa was officially told last week but knew it was coming for months. She’s a freelancer so doesn’t have the same protection as a full-time employee.”

Ant has been keeping a low profile since announcing he wouldn’t be taking part in I’m A Celebrity, preferring to stay home with PA-turned-girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett.

“Ant needs to make sure his return to telly goes smoothly. Producers are rallying around him. While Ant and Lisa are consummate professionals, executives want to create an environment in which he can thrive.”

Another pal of Lisa on the programme said: “BGMT is a very close-knit family, so Lisa will be sadly missed.”

The BGT family are expected to miss Lisa on the show
(Image: GC Images)

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Lisa has also worked on shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Pick Me!

In August, Ant and Dec said Saturday Night Takeaway would be back in 2020.

ITV’s director of television Kevin Lygo said the channel was “completely supportive of Ant taking as much time as he needs”.

Ant and Lisa, who married in 2006, were granted a decree nisi last month after he confirmed the split in January.